Rank Group names Richard Harris as permanent CEO

Harris has held the role on an interim basis since John O’Reilly’s retirement.

UK.- Rank Group has named former CFO Richard Harris as its new chief executive officer on a permanent basis. The appointment follows a six-month interim period in the role following the retirement of John O’Reilly in January.

The London-listed gambling operator, which runs the brands Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca, said the decision is effective immediately. It follows a recruitment process led by the company’s Nominations Committee and supported by independent search firm MWM Consulting.

Harris joined Rank’s Board in May 2022 as chief financial officer, bringing with him senior leadership experience from Marks & Spencer, Foxtons, and Laird. His promotion caps a series of leadership changes. John H. Ott succeeded Alex Thursby as Chair of Rank’s board in November 2025, while former Allwyn UK operations director Jenny Blogg joined as Chief Commercial Officer in February 2026 and Cliff Baty was named interim CFO.

Reflecting on his new role, Harris said: “Rank is an industry-leading business with a strong portfolio of brands which are synonymous with the UK gaming industry. I am proud of what Rank has achieved during my tenure as CFO, and I look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to drive growth and evolve the Group’s strategy.

Ott welcomed the appointment, saying: “I am delighted to confirm Richard’s appointment as CEO of The Rank Group. Following a thorough recruitment process which identified a strong field of candidates, the Board unanimously agreed that Richard was the outstanding choice. I am pleased that he has agreed to lead Rank as it continues to progress the delivery of the medium-term objective of generating at least £100m operating profit and the development of the longer-term strategy.”

Rank is due to publish its full-year results on August 13. It’s forecasting like-for-like underlying operating profit of at least £68m, up from its earlier guidance of £65m driven by strong performances across its Grosvenor, Enracha, and Mecca divisions. Its share price rose by 0.5 per cent in trading today but remains down by 2.5 per cent for the year to date and lose today down by 2 per cent for the year to date and by 34.2 per cent year-on-year.